#1 Study Guide to “Mabo” Film Analysis + Rachel Perkins + World of the Text

Rachel Perkins’ docudrama “Mabo” follows the story of Eddie Koiki Mabo and his quest for justice that overturned “Terra Nullius” in the landmark 1992 High Court decision recognising Indigenous land rights in Australia. The film is a vivid exploration of cultural identity, legal battles, and personal sacrifice, depicted through nuanced storytelling and film techniques. Join us we explore all aspects of the film!

Key Terms

There are key terms when study Mabo that we must understand to fully grasp the context.

Mabo Film Analysis: Perkins uses a combination of visual and auditory techniques to immerse the audience in Eddie Mabo’s world.

• Cinematography: Perkins uses a combination of wide shots and close-ups to create a sense of place and intimacy. The wide shots of the Australian landscape not only highlight the beauty of the land but also emphasise its importance to the Aboriginal people. In contrast, close-ups are used to capture the emotional expressions of characters, drawing viewers into their personal struggles and triumphs. The close up allows the audience during one of his lowest points, to connect deeply and empathise with his personal strugglesIn contrast, the courtroom scenes are filmed with tighter, more constrained shots, reflecting the oppressive nature of the legal system.
• Mis En Scene: Refers to the arrangement of everything that appears in the frame, including settings, props, actors, costumes, and lighting. The traditional clothing and artefacts seen in the Mabo family’s home are not just props; they symbolise their cultural heritage and connection to the land. The use of traditional colours and patterns in their clothing and surroundings emphasises their identity and heritage.The courtroom scenes, with their stark, formal settings, contrast sharply with the vibrant, natural environment of the island, highlighting the clash between Western legal systems and Indigenous land rights. The cold, impersonal design of the courtroom emphasises the alienation and struggle Eddie Mabo faces within the legal system.
• Sound and Music: The music, composed by Antony Partos, blends traditional Aboriginal sounds with contemporary music, enhancing the emotional impact of the film. Additionally, ambient sounds of nature are used to ground the story in its setting, making the audience feel the environment as much as the characters do. The use of silence in critical moments, such as during the courtroom verdict, amplifies the tension and the gravity of the situation.
• Symbolism and Imagery: The film employs recurring visual motifs, such as the ocean and the land, to symbolise freedom and belonging. These images remind viewers of the intrinsic connection between the characters and their ancestral lands, serving as a powerful narrative device throughout the film.

Themes and Ideas in Mabo:

1. Land as Identity and Heritage: The theme of land is central to the film, not merely as a physical space but as an integral part of cultural and spiritual identity for Indigenous Australians. Mabo’s struggle is depicted as a fight for the recognition of this intrinsic bond, which colonial laws like “terra nullius” attempted to erase. This theme is brought to life through flashbacks showing Mabo’s childhood on Mer Island, reinforcing the emotional and cultural stakes of his legal battle.
2. Justice and Injustice: The film critiques the Australian legal system’s historical role in perpetuating injustice against Indigenous people. Mabo’s decade-long battle against the entrenched legal doctrine highlights systemic biases and the challenges of seeking justice within a framework that has consistently marginalised Indigenous voices.
3. Resilience and Resistance: The narrative illustrates Mabo’s resilience, not just in his legal fight but also in his personal life. His character is portrayed as relentless and unwavering, facing numerous setbacks, including financial hardships, health issues, and public scrutiny. This theme is reinforced by the narrative arc of other Indigenous activists in the film, showcasing a broader movement of resistance and the collective fight for rights and recognition.
4. Family and Community: The film portrays the strength and support of Mabo’s family, especially his wife Bonita, who stands by him through the trials and tribulations. Her unwavering support and sacrifices highlight the often unspoken role of family in social movements. The depiction of community gatherings and the shared sense of purpose also emphasises the collective nature of Indigenous struggles for justice.
5. Racism: This theme is multifaceted and require you to look at in all dimension of society and Mabo’s life. Throughout his life, Mabo encounters both personal and institutional racism, from being treated as inferior to the denial of his people’s land ownership. His landmark case against the Australian government challenges the racist concept of Terra Nullius (the idea that Australia was “nobody’s land” before British colonisation), which denied Indigenous people their rights to land. The film shows how racism fuelled these policies (White Australia) and the discrimination Mabo and his family endured as they sought justice and equality.
6. Hero Making: Centered on Eddie Mabo’s journey from an ordinary man to a national hero. The film highlights his courage, determination, and willingness to stand up against an unjust system, despite personal sacrifices and hardships. Heroism is not just in his legal victory but in his unwavering belief in his people’s rights and his tireless efforts to bring about change. It is also important to note the film does not glorify him and shows his personal struggles and negative impacts of such responsibilities. It shows the realistic image of ‘heroes’ and the unbearable weight they hold for the justice of all.

Characters in Mabo:

• Eddie Mabo: The films protagonist, Eddie Koiki Mabo is depicted as a complex character—passionate, determined, and deeply connected to his cultural roots. His transformation from a community leader to a national symbol of resistance is captured through Perkin’s storytelling, showing both his vulnerability and his unwavering commitment to justice. Mabo’s journey is portrayed not just as a legal battle challenging terra nullius but as a personal evolution marked by self-discovery and courage. He was a champion for all Indigenous rights, becoming the Principal of a black community school and chairman of the Indigenous Housing Co-operative.
• Bonita Mabo: Bonita is portrayed as a pillar of strength, resilience and fellow activist. Her character provides emotional depth to the narrative, representing the silent yet powerful role of women in political struggles. Her support for Eddie underscores the theme of familial sacrifice and highlights the personal costs of activism. Her portrayal also challenges stereotypes, showcasing a woman who is both nurturing and fiercely determined. Although Mabo was the face of the fight, she was his foundation and unwavering strength which allowed him to reach great heights.
• Patrick Killoran: Antagonist in the Mabo’s early life and throughout the legal battle. His character personifies the political and social forces against Eddie, can go as far to say a symbol of colonial resistance for Indigenous rights. He had staunch oppositional views in land rights claim and firm believer in the Queensland government and its policies. His development across the docudrama was to sabotage Eddie in his personal and legal battles, a resistance to change.
• Noel Loos & Henry Reynolds: Both university teachers in Aboriginal History, they were Mabo’s initial supporters in the case. Young, Caucasian, enthusiastic men who supported Mabo throughout the case. They were good friend who warned Mabo on the difficulties of the case. They also understood the significance of academic research + inclusion of Indigenous people within academia to correct injustices.
• Bryan Keon-Cohen & Ron Castan: Representatives of the legal system; trained, competent and knowledgeable lawyers. They are sympathetic to the case but understand the broader implications this case could take on their career if they do not win. They see the opportunity available to make create history with overturning the land rights title. They both see the case right through to the end.
• Justice Moynihan and Legal System Representatives: These characters embody the complexities and contradictions of the legal system. Justice Moynihan, in particular, represents a legal tradition steeped in colonial attitudes but is also depicted as someone capable of introspection and change. His interactions with Mabo and his ultimate role in the legal decision provide a critical commentary on the potential for transformation within institutional frameworks.

Social and Historical Context: The film is set against the backdrop of Australia’s colonial history and the long-standing denial of Indigenous land rights through the legal fiction of “terra nullius.” This context is crucial to understanding the significance of Mabo’s legal battle, which sought to dismantle a narrative that had justified the dispossession of Indigenous lands for over two centuries. The film provides insights into the broader civil rights movement in Australia, reflecting the efforts of many Indigenous activists and communities to reclaim their rights and heritage. Perkins specifically weaves real historical videos, news segments, protests and images from the time to provide accuracy within the film. It allows the audience to grasp the entirety of the situation and views at the time. Joh Bjele-Peterson was the QLD Premier at the time of the land rights case, he was staunchly conservative in his views and very dismissive of the movement. He reflected the views of Australians at their time who were worried, there homes and land would have to be given up to land right claims; “We wont be giving an inch of Queensland to anyone.”– one of the key authorities who politically resisted indigenous rights at the time.

Symbols

Important Quotes from Mabo:

1. “The land is my backbone.” This quote encapsulates the profound connection between Indigenous people and their land, serving as a poignant reminder of what is at stake in Mabo’s legal fight.
2. “We won’t stop until we get justice.” This statement by Eddie Mabo is not just a declaration of intent but a testament to the resilience and determination that drives the film’s narrative.
3. “If we don’t fight, we lose everything.” This line underscores the urgency and necessity of Mabo’s battle, framing it as a fight for survival and cultural continuity.
4. “If I die, my kids will not be able to speak my language if I don’t teach them.” It was incredibly important for Mabo to retain and continue his culture and traditions with his children. He wanted the knowledge to be passed down from him to his children, as his father done so.
5. “You’re too young, and too hot headed, and I protect you from yourself.” At the beginning of the film Perkins establishes Patrick as an opposing force to Mabo which will continue on throughout his life.
6. “I want to be you, reading your dictionary, talking in the union, talking big words I never even hear of.” Dave Mabo to Eddie establishes the first hero making characterization we see. People are beginning to view Mabo in a certain way, which is inspiring and creates change.
7. “It’s not an easy path, Eddie, the road of an activist…” Henry Reynolds was the first to foreshadow the difficulties of being an activist at the very beginning of the journey. He understood the implications and opposition he will face.
8. “I’m taking the government to court.. I’m gonna make history.” A defining moment in his life and film, this is the pinnacle of plot development. At the very beginning of the case he’s quite hopeful and optimistic about the outcome. A great quote to compare to the anti climax and rejection of the first case.
9. “It’s not about your land or my land, you bloody idiot! It’s about the people!” Eddie to another Murray island landowner when the fight escalated physically. The assumption that Eddie was only out for his land or his success, when in fact he was championing all the Indigenous land rights. He viewed his success as their success and his downfalls as their downfalls.
10. “I’ve been listening to you for nine years. Morning, noon and lunchtime, that’s all you talk about!” Bonita is a pillar of strength for Mabo, but at times the pressure becomes unbearable. Exemplifying the pressure on family life for heroes. In comparison to the end were we see the victory and the pieces come together Mabo reflects; “My wife, the most important person in my life, has stuck to me over many hardships and hurdles, but somehow we made it.”
11. “Forget the appeal. Go to the High Court.” Mabo’s decision to appeal Moynihan’s judgement or challenge Terra Nullius. Key scene in the film- plot development.
12. “I wish I’d spent more time at home when the kids were growing up.” As Mabo reflects on his life, he looks back and regrets the time he had to spend away from his family. There is great personal sacrifice in a Heroes journey in order for their success to help others.
13. “Mabo is a historic decision. We can make it an historic turning point, the basis of a new relationship between Indigenous and non-Aboriginal Australians.” Said in an interview by then Prime Minister Paul Keating after the historic decision. The final moments in the film all connect together to show the impact this had on Australia and moving forward with reconciliation.

Mabo Essay Prompts:

1. Eddie Mabo spent his entire life fighting injustices at his personal expense. Do you agree?
2. Do Perkins successfully portray historical events accurately? To what extent do you agree?
3. Mabo highlights the insitutlionsed and inherent racism within Australian society. Discuss.
4. How did Mabo bring about profound change as an ordinary man?
5. Mabo demonstrates that the success of an individual is at the sacrifice of their personal life. Discuss.

Mabo Creative Prompts:

1. Use on of the themes in Mabo to write a creative piece.
2. Re-write the closing scene from Bonita’s point of view in a dramatic monologue.
3. Write from the POV of Mabo’s children growing up in the house along the land rights case.
4. Rewrite a key scene from a minor characters viewpoint.
5. Write a letter as a concerned Australian to a newspaper publication about your thoughts on your land being given up.

“Mabo” is a significant film that transcends its narrative to offer a deep reflection on Australian history, justice, and the enduring spirit of resistance among Indigenous communities. Through its compelling use of film techniques, rich character development, and exploration of profound themes, the film invites viewers to reflect on the legacies of colonization and the ongoing struggle for recognition and rights. As a tribute to Eddie Mabo and his enduring legacy, the film is a powerful call to remember and respect the histories and rights of Indigenous Australians.

Loving our content? Subscribe to the mailing list for weekly blog updates.

Follow us on YouTube for comprehensive videos on all things VCE.

Follow us on Instagram and TikTok for daily advice and tips.

© In Class With Mariam 2024. All rights reserved. This content is the original work of the author and may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form without the prior written permission of the author.